This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

The Nicholls State women's basketball team held off Southern Utah for a 65-54 victory at the BTI Classic on Sunday in Lubbock, Texas.

Hailey Mandelko came off the bench to lead the Thunderbirds (2-3) with 12 points in the losing effort.

LiAnn McCarthy and K.K. Babin scored 16 points each for the Colonels ( 6-2).

Nicholls State opened up a 51-34 lead with 6 minutes remaining and made 5 of 6 free-throw attempts in the game's final minute.